Taking Action: The Cancer Whisperer

Reaching out to breast survivors in her community is how Sherry Peterson became known as the “Cancer Whisperer”.  Diagnosed 10 years ago with breast cancer, Sherry said it was hard.  She didn't have many choices for support, so she wanted to be there for others. Sherry started by reaching out to an acquaintance that she had found out was going into surgery after a diagnosis. 

 

“I left a message that I had heard about your diagnosis, if you want to talk,” Peterson recalled.

That led to another friend, so it became three for coffee.  Then another and another so now it’s seven.  Peterson knows that it helps to be with others who have been through it. 

“Sometimes they aren’t ready when you first make contact,” she said. “But then we make room for one more at coffee.”

There are many ways to reach out to help those in your community.  Sometimes it is being there to go with a friend to be outfitted for a wig. Sometimes it’s driving your friend to treatment or an appointment.  Sometimes it’s just a call to say I’m here if you want to talk.  Thoughtful gestures big and small mean so much to survivors, whether they’ve just been diagnosed or completed treatment years ago. By giving support you show strength and love. Peterson has found that she is now connecting with people through Facebook.  By taking action and reaching out to help survivors in her community, Sherry Peterson is making a difference in Kansas.

For more information on how you can Take Action